Turns Out Lifting Weights May Be Even Better for Your Brain
By Mark J Kaylor
Turns out the weight room may be one of the best places to take your brain.
Researchers in Denmark randomly assigned 309 adults aged 62 to 70 to one of three paths for a year: heavy lifting three times a week, moderate lifting with one supervised session and two at home, or no structured exercise. They then fed brain scans into an AI “brain clock” that estimates how old a brain looks.
After the year, both lifting groups had brains that looked about 1.4 years younger. A year after the program ended, the gap had grown to about 1.8 years for the heavy lifters and 2.3 years for the moderate group. The non-exercisers stayed where they were.
The changes were spread across the whole brain. The moderate group did at least as well as the heavy lifters, so you don’t need to be a powerlifter for this to count. In that group, the people whose legs got stronger saw the biggest drop in brain age.
The lead researcher adds a caveat: brain age reflects patterns of brain health, not a literal clock, and the study didn’t track memory or dementia.
Still, a few sessions a week bought these brains two years back.
Turns out leg day is brain day too.
Reference
1. Strength training lowers brain age in older adults
Supports: 309-participant randomized trial, 1.4 to 2.3 year brain-age reductions, moderate as effective as heavy, effect lasting a year after training, leg strength link
Gonzalez-Gomez, R., Demnitz, N., Coronel, C., et al. (2026). Randomized controlled trial of resistance exercise and brain aging clocks. GeroScience.
Mark J. Kaylor is a passionate advocate for holistic health and natural remedies, with a focus on extending both lifespan and healthspan. As the founder of the Radiant Health Project and host of Radiant Health Podcast, Mark blends in-depth research with traditional wisdom to empower others on their journey to vibrant health. Through his writing and speaking, he shares insights into the transformative power of herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle practices.
The Radiant Health Project is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to cutting through wellness industry hype and sharing evidence-informed, traditional wisdom for genuine health.
Disclaimer: All information and results stated here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information mentioned here is not specific medical advice for any individual and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. This content should not substitute medical advice from a health professional. Always consult your health practitioner regarding any health or medical conditions.
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